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Next Stop:Springer Mtn.
Well folks, the time is here! I am currently on my way down to Georgia for the night and start my journey starting on Springer Mountain in the morning! It’s hard to believe that after this past year of reading, planning, and training, that it’s finally here. As of right now, I feel about every single emotion that a person can feel: Happiness, excitement, anxiousness, nervousness, and lots of questioning that I know will subside just as soon as I step foot on the first white blaze. Even though I feel these, I am confident and know that this will be the most remarkable thing I’ve ever stepped out to do. For past thru-hikers or those that are close you know the feelings that I have. I am a confident nervous wreck haha but am so excited to get going! In true Caleb Bonner spirit, I’m currently listening to CCR:Looking Out My Back Door imagining what it will be like pushing myself up and down mountains and sleeping in the elements every night.
I have packed and unpacked my bag about 15 times, tried out every piece of gear, physically trained, and read every book and watched every video I could find. I’ve prepared myself as best I can and am so excited to see what my physical and mental boundaries are! I’m ready to see what I am capable of all while seeing the entire stretch of the most beautiful mountain range in the world, the one I call home, The Appalachian Mountains.
I will be posting pictures and updates as I get cell service on the trail and into towns. I will be posting weekly updates here as well as on Facebook. On my updates, I will be putting pictures/videos, my mileage, places I’ve been as well as people that I have met. Please feel free to read about my trip, ask any questions you might have, and send encouragement my way! I will do my best to get back to everyone!
Before I start, I’d like to thank my parents, my best friends, and most importantly my amazing girlfriend Reilly in supporting me to follow my dream, to work hard to do so, and for the nonstop encouragement because it has made all the difference. I know that it is going to be hard, really hard, but it is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. I’m ready to celebrate discomfort.
We”ll see ya next week in Franklin, NC!
God Bless!
Caleb
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
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Comments 10
Im in the best friend category right…?
You know it!!
Exciting times buddy, making memories!
Cheering you on!
So excited for you have a blast
Keep on keeping on Caleb I start my NOBO March 26 God bless!
Good luck to you I’m so glad you’re doing it now . Sometimes life goes too fast and before you know it you’re not able to do something fabulous like this in your lifetime. You gonna learn a lot about yourself how exciting cheers to you God bless Godspeed
Good luck!!! Hope to be in your shoes soon. “Keep on trucking dude ” ???
You’ll be about a week and a half ahead of my son who starts out next Thursday. Best of luck to you!
Best wishes on your adventure!!